by admin | May 30, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingUntil I Found YouBethany House Publishers (May 6, 2014)byVictoria BylinABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A word from the Author:
This may sound crazy, but I was driven to write romance by giant bugs and killer rabbits. I just couldn’t take it anymore. My husband and two sons would be camped in front of the television watching a movie about spiders the size of bowling balls, and I’d be wondering when the handsome scientist would get around to kissing the spunky woman with the bug spray. When it didn’t happen, I decided to write my own happy endings–without the giant bugs…
Known for her realistic, likable characters and vivid writing, Victoria Bylin writes both western and contemporary inspirational romance. Her books have finaled in the ACFW Carol Awards, the Rita Awards and RT Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Awards. She and her husband currently live in Lexington, Kentucky and have two grown sons.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Finding each other was only the beginning . . .
When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life.
It’s Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate’s rescue. Nick is handsome and confident, and he seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She’s not planning to get involved with one of the locals.
Nick is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn’t expect to be swept off his feet by the car’s occupant. He’s made a vow–no dating for a year–but keeping that vow is going to be a lot more difficult now that he’s met Kate Darby. . . .
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Until I Found You, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Until I Found You is a story about choices that affect one’s life. Nick Sheridan has lived life his way and the world’s way for many years but has recently turned it over to the Lord. Kate Darby is fairly successful in her career and has great ambitions to become even more so. Their encounter on the side of a mountain when Nick saves Kate’s life is the beginning of changes and challenges for each of them.
Beautifully written, Until I Found You probes the depths of human emotions in a way that hits close to home on many levels. Both Nick and Kate are authentic and believable characters who touch the reader’s heart. Each of them encounter and overcome major obstacles in their lives and eventually find the truth and love they seek.
I loved the story of Kate’s grandmother and the condors that is woven so seamlessly within the pages of this book. Grandmother Leona was a special lady and a major supporting character.
by admin | May 30, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I am quite fond of Robin Lee Hatcher’s novels and “The Heart’s Pursuit” just reinforced that fact. The plot got off to a quick start and hit the trail quickly. The protagonists were excellently portrayed and by the end of the book I felt like I knew them and had journeyed alongside them.
One character is determined to see that justice is served and the other is driven by the need for revenge. Traveling together against Jared’s better judgement, he and Silver are not always on the same page. Little does she realize that Jared has other goals more important to him than helping her find the man that left her at the altar and stole her father’s money. I enjoyed following Silver and Jared and seeing the changes in their lives during the course of their expedition. I liked Silver’s spunk and determination as well as her strong faith. I also enjoyed seeing the softening of Jared’s heart as he learned to trust God.
“The Heart’s Pursuit” has the perfect blend of action, danger, mystery, humor, and romance to make it a worthwhile and interesting read. Some might consider this novel a light read but certain details add some grim realism to the narrative. With a surprise or two and plot twists, the story had me in its grip and I didn’t want to put it down until I reached the end.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A jilted bride desperate to save her family from ruin.
A bounty hunter seeking vengeance for a ravaged past.
An arduous trek toward justice–or redemption.
Silver Matlock and Jared Newman know traveling together is a bad idea. Bad for Silver’s already tarnished reputation in her small Colorado town. Bad for bounty hunter Jared’s secret, single-minded mission for revenge. But Silver is determined to track down the rogue who left her at the altar and stole the last remnant of her father’s fortune. And Jared’s in a hurry to hunt down the murderer who destroyed his family–even if Silver is too distractingly beautiful for comfort.
The pair takes off over mountain and desert, past bleak homesteads and raw mining towns, hot on the trail of the two villains who took what wasn’t theirs to take. Soon supplies dwindle, secrets emerge, and suspicion leave Silver and Jared at odds when they need each other most. To confront an enemy deadlier than desert rattlesnakes and rocky cliffs, Silver and Jared must learn to forgive and trust and face the question they haven’t dared voice: What happens next?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Robin’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.
Robin Lee Hatcher‘s latest novel, The Heart’s Pursuit, is receiving critical praise: “The Old West lives again in this inspirational romantic adventure. . . . Themes of forgiveness, justice and mercy dominate the story and add to the characters’ depth. Hatcher treats readers to a rich sensory experience—you can taste the desert dust and smell the smoke and stench of a crowded gambling hall.” (Publishers Weekly)
Robin is celebrating the release of her novel by giving away a $200 “Romantic Weekend Getaway.”
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa cash card (Get away for the weekend with that special someone!)
- The Heart’s Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 8th. Winner will be announced June 9th on Robin’s website.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Robin’s blog on June 8th to see if you won.
by admin | May 30, 2014 | Books
MY REVIEW:
The morning after an impulsive wedding in Vegas and a one night honeymoon, Celia’s new husband Ty insists that he has made a big mistake and returns to his rodeo career without a backwards glance. Devastated, Celia goes her own way and attempts to put her life back together. After several years, Ty decides to contact Celia and is surprised to learn that they have a daughter Celia has struggled to raise on her own.
It didn’t take me long to figure out that Ty and Celia would end up back together but who knew just how clueless Ty could be and how stubborn Celia would be. Actually Ty was a great guy who wanted to be sure that both Celia and their daughter were taken care of. He just had his mind made up about who he was supposed to marry and was conflicted at best. Celia’s stubbornness was mostly for self-protection. She knew she couldn’t let Ty back in her heart because she couldn’t trust him not to hurt her again.
“Meant to be Mine” is great contemporary romance with excellent interaction between the characters. I loved the way God finally got Ty’s attention and how he and Celia finally resolved their differences and committed to a lifetime together.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school–irresistible. When their paths cross again after college–still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.
The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia’s ready to be Ty’s wife, but Ty’s not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood.
Five and a half years pass. Celia’s buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty’s achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn’t forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.
How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Becky’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Becky makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband, three children, and one adoring (and adored) cavalier spaniel. Her CBA debut, “My Stubborn Heart,” was a finalist in both the RITA and INSPY awards. “Undeniably Yours” kicked off her Texas-set Porter Family series. Her newest contemporary romance, “Meant to Be Mine,” has just hit shelves!
Becky Wade‘s latest novel, Meant to Be Mine, is a keeper!
Celebrate with Becky by entering her “Dream Come True” $200 Visa cash card prize pack giveaway and RSVP for her June 10th Facebook party!
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa cash card
- Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 10th. Winner will be announced at the Meant to Be Mine Facebook author chat party on June 10th. Connect with Becky for a fun evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Becky will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.
So grab your copy of Meant to Be Mine and join Becky on the evening of June 10th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!
by admin | May 27, 2014 | Books, Historical, Quilts
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Stitch and A PrayerAbingdon Press (May 20, 2014)byEva GibsonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
(No image available) Eva Gibson is the author of twenty books, including A Stitch and a Prayer, the latest release in the Quilts of Love series from Abingdon Fiction. She currently teaches Writing Your Life Story classes for Portland Community College and is an active member of Oregon Christian Writers. She has lived most of her life on the family farm in Wilsonville, Oregon, which is the setting for her novel.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After her fiancé returns from the Klondike gold rush in 1897, Florence Harms sets about building a new life in her new marriage—even though the lingering effects of illness have left her weak and vulnerable. She and her young husband, Will, work tirelessly to clear the land around their Northwest cabin, content with their modest life.
But then a stranger comes knocking and Florence suddenly senses a restlessness in Will’s spirit that she had never seen before. When he leaves her with only a note that tells her he will return before their baby’s birth, she is devastated, and the illness that stiffened her joints returns. Counting the days until Will walks back through her door, Florence busies herself with a Tree of Life quilt displaying a map of the farm they call home. Doubts claw at her heart as Florence struggles to believe Will’s promise to return to her. Will her labor of love—and faith in God—sustain her as she waits to see her beloved once again?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Stitch and A Prayer, go HERE.
by admin | May 27, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“While Love Stirs” is a charming and sometimes amusing novel featuring feisty and opinionated Charlotte Gregory. Sparks fly at her first meeting with Dr. Joel Brooks as they clash over her idea of proper meals for his patients. Having recently graduated from Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery, Charlotte is certain that she can teach Dr. Brooks and his staff a thing or two about nutrition but tight hospital funds force him to turn her down. A job opportunity allows Charlotte to travel all over the state and her new co-worker Lewis is sweet, handsome, and head-over-heels for her. But for some reason, Charlotte can’t get the cantankerous Dr. Brooks out of her mind.
I thoroughly enjoyed the give and take between the characters and also found Joel’s OCD tendencies to be a unique and fund addition to the story. Charlotte was an excellent heroine who was often quite outspoken, sometimes impetuous, but almost always generous and kind. Joel’s compassionate nature was sometimes hidden behind his professional bearing but his caring heart became obvious over the course of the story.
I have enjoyed each of Seilstad’s previous novels and “While Love Stirs” was no exception. I will always recommend her books.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Take one lovely young woman.
Add two ambitious young men.
Stir . . . and stand back.
As a graduate of Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery, Charlotte Gregory is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution–the gas stove. And she certainly doesn’t mind that the gas company has hired the kindhearted Lewis Mathis to entertain at her lectures.
Lewis encourages Charlotte’s work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made–especially by this outspoken young woman.
When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?
Follow the second Gregory sister as she looks for true love and makes her way in a rapidly changing world in this breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep you guessing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.
